Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has told Mikel Arteta that he needs to prioritize signing a striker this summer.
The Gunners are yet to add any attackers having just signed defender Riccardo Califiori and Goalkeeper David Raya. Furthermore, striker Eddie Nketiah could be on his way out, so Mikel Arteta may have to bring in a new forward.
With just Gabriel Jesus being the only out-and-out striker at Mikel Arteta’s disposal, Emmanuel Petit believes that the Gunners need to sign a new attacker as soon as possible.
He told Gambling Zone: “Signing a striker should be Arsenal’s number one priority in the transfer window. They need someone who is good in the air and can also be physically imposing.
“We’ve seen them struggle to break down teams that play with a lot of men behind the ball. Arsenal needs a plan b. They need a striker with a presence in the penalty area, someone that can keep two defenders with him, someone that is strong physically and strong in the air.”
Arsenal legend recommends Ollie Watkins
Petit has said that the ideal striker for the Gunners is Aston Villa hitman Ollie Watkins.
Ex-Gunner Petit, who has urged Mikel Arteta to go after the £56m Villa man, said: “I’m a huge fan of Ollie Watkins. I love him! He’s strong physically. He has the pace to run in behind defenders. He’s able to fight with two defenders all the time and can hold up the ball.
“I think he would be perfect for the football that Arsenal play. He can play one-on-one combinations and I think he would fit like a glove into an Arsenal team and system.”
Arsenal’s rivals keen on signing Watkins
Ollie Watkins hasn’t just caught the eye of Emmanuel Petit; several Premier League clubs are interested in signing him with Aston Villa crucially also wanting to keep him.
Chelsea expressed interest in Watkins and were touting the possibility of a swap deal with Villa target Conor Gallagher, who has now moved to Atletico Madrid.
Furthermore, both Manchester United and Arsenal are also keeping an eye on Watkins over a potential transfer.
